Consider the following statements regarding burning of magnesium ribbo

Consider the following statements regarding burning of magnesium ribbon in air :

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1. White powder of MgO is formed.
2. It is an example of combustion reaction.
3. Heat and light are produced.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1 and 2 only

1 and 3 only

2 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-1 – 2023

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When magnesium ribbon is burned in air, it reacts vigorously with oxygen to form magnesium oxide (MgO). The balanced chemical equation is 2Mg(s) + O₂(g) → 2MgO(s). This reaction produces a bright white light and considerable heat.
Statement 1: White powder of MgO is formed. Correct, magnesium oxide is a white solid.
Statement 2: It is an example of combustion reaction. Correct, combustion is a rapid reaction between a substance and an oxidant, usually oxygen, to produce heat and light.
Statement 3: Heat and light are produced. Correct, the burning of magnesium is highly exothermic and produces a characteristic bright white flame.
All three statements are correct.

Burning of magnesium is a combustion reaction producing magnesium oxide, heat, and light.

Magnesium also reacts with nitrogen in the air during burning, forming a small amount of magnesium nitride (Mg₃N₂), but the primary product with oxygen is MgO. Magnesium is used in fireworks and flares due to the intense light it produces when burning.

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